THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 145.012-67
YEAR: 1968
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

In the world of vintage Speedmaster collecting, the 145.012 and the slightly earlier 105.012 are two references that have always been intriguing. They fall foul of being the last 321 models—often overlooked in favour of the better-known Ed White (105.003) reference—yet they resemble the much more common and widely understood 145.022.

What’s even more incredible is that it was in fact these two references that actually went to the moon. Neil Armstrong left his 105.012 in the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module) to replace a malfunctioning instrument, so technically, it was Buzz Aldrin’s 145.012 that was the first watch worn on the moon. What’s even more insane is that neither of these models was part of the original NASA certification tests—that was the aforementioned Ed White.

So, what is the 145.012? It’s the last Speedmaster to use the original cal. 321 movement and the first to feature the flat baton chronograph hand. This particular example, in the 27xx serial range, was one of the last produced. It has survived in its correct configuration—aside from the bezel, which is thought to be from a few years later. The dial and hands have aged to a striking pumpkin patina that looks tremendous against the black dial.

The original flat-link 1039/516 bracelet, stamped 2/68, remains and is full length. We've just had the movement serviced, and it’s running at a very respectable +1 s/d, 340 amps, with a beat error of 0.0. Most modern movements would struggle to match that.